The book comprises three parts. Part 1 gives a historical description of the development of ironworking techniques since the earliest times. Part 2 is the core of the book and deals with the metallurgical basis of microstructures, with four main themes: phase diagrams, solidification processes, diffusion, and solid state phase transformations. Part 3 begins by an introduction to steel design principles. It then goes on to consider the different categories of steels, placing emphasis on their specific microstructural features. Finally, a comprehensive reference list includes several hundred pertinent articles and books. The book is the work of a single author, thus ensuring uniformity and concision. It